Evening all. I think I am starting to emerge again after FEC2. It was worse than FEC 1 but today I am definitely feeling more normal and my appetite has returned with a vengeance. Also final,y got a visit today from a very reluctant eagle (had the opposite problem last time!!) Still tired but so relieved to be feeling less nauseous. I will definitely be asking for Emmend next time and I have to say, despite reading horrible things about ‘T’ at this stage, I’m quite glad I’ve on,y got 1 more FEC to go. Beginning to get used to seeing myself in the mirror, though kept a hat on all day today. Haven’t tried my wig in since the head shave but meeting friends for lunch tomorrow so might give it a go. Hope everyone else is doing Ok , good luck Nikki for tomorrow and anyone else having treatment in the next couple of days. We can do this! Chris xx
Hi Ladies, hope everyone is OK.
I saw the oncology team on Monday who didn’t get the chemo nurse’s request for a picc line to be inserted. Was told that my chemo session would still go ahead as planned on Thursday and they would arrange a picc line for session 3. Hospital called today to say that they’re putting in my picc line tomorrow at 2pm - the same time I should be having chemo! So, chemo has been moved to Friday afternoon. I know it’s only a day, but feeling slightly miffed that chemo has been pushed back. Was gearing myself up mentally for it to be tomorrow but now have an extra day to worry about it 
On another note - I was given the immunity boosting injections from the start and told these would continue throughout my chemotherapy treatment; 5 injections starting on Day 2.
I’ve also been prescribed Lansoprazole for post FEC2 - hoping to see an improvement with the reflux. They’re prescribing a different anti-sickness med too (not Emend) so fingers crossed no sickness this time.
Thinking of you all and sending hugs to all that need them xx
Glad to hear you’re starting to feel better Chris 
xx
Oh that’s a pain Nikki. Hope getting the line in will make it worthwhile in the end. Good luck tomorrow.
Glad you are coming out the other side Chris. Like you I’m really tired today although think that’s probably to do with the emotion of clippering my hair off this morning. It’s done now and I am relieved. I can once more wear clothes that you put on and take off over your head which I was avoiding doing in order not to disturb hair so that’s a bonus.
Hope everyone has a good evening. Early night for me I suspect. Rock and roll. xxxx
Ah well done Ruth, big brave girl! (As my sister keeps saying to me) x
Good on you Ruth! I’m quite used to the bald look now, although wear a little cotton cap in the house and in bed.
Finally found you on FB, Emma, only took an hour’s searching lol!
bloods done through picc line today, total breeze, no poking about for veins, and good to go for FEC 2 tomorrow.
have been prescribed sone omeprazole, and oncologist reducing the steroids by half this time, so the down on day 4-5 won’t be so bad, so we’ll see.
feeling quite positive about the next session, don’t be too down Nikki, it’s just a day, and I’m really glad I got the picc line now. just trying to find a decent armband to cover it, rather than a tubigrip.
stay well girls, looking forward to seeing you on FB ?
love Julie
Hi Julie, I saw on another thread someone mention that you can get a special waterproof covering for Picc…called LimbO. Might be worth asking your chemo unit? X
Good luck tomorrow Julie. x
Morning all
Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet. Had a rough day yesterday. I’m sure it’s mainly the injections, though combined with the come down from steroids as well it makes for a rubbish day. Feeling a bit brighter today in spite of being awake since 3am. Also have a coughing sniffing husband next to me who I will gladly smother with his own pillow if he tells me again how rough he feels or how tired he is!!!
My afternoon nap has become sacrosanct. I only just made it to the afternoon yesterday and was back on the bed ready to doze at 12.10!! The fog hasn’t been quite so bad this time, but the chemo brain has definitely been evident.
Good luck to all having stuff done today. Glad you’re getting your picc line sorted out Nikki. It’s annoying to have chemo pushed back, but at least it’s for a good reason rather than bad bloods.
Happy Thursday everyone. Xx
Hi all.
Karen, if you don’t have any prescription anti-reflux meds then I’ve found a small glass of Alpro almond milk helps. It’s very alkali and seems to combat the acid. I have to be honest and say it doesn’t taste that great. I only have a carton in to mix with my smoothies but I can manage a small glass if forced. I find it especially useful at bedtime which when I seem to need most.
I am really tired today, although probably not as tired as your hubby Emma :smileylol: Didn’t feel like I could get out of bed and didn’t until 9.00 but now I’m up feel a bit better. An afternoon nap is almost assured. A colleague who is on maternity leave is popping over later this morning with her four month old son. I’ve not seen her since my diagnosis as her waters broke a month early on the day I went to see my GP about the lump so I think it’s going to be a bit emotional (or maybe that’s just me).
Hope everyone has a good day. xx
Does anyone wonder if they have the strength to go through with this all? I know I’m feeling down as it’s been a week and I still don’t recognise myself, but it seems like a long old slog ahead. Once finished with chemo I’ll have radio therapy, herceptin and tamoxifen. I’m just wondering what will be left over by the time they’re finished with me.
It’s a dark old day too which doesn’t help…
Emma D
Hi Enma and Kazzer, sorry you are both struggling today. I found the second chemo affected me for longer than the first, and definitely felt down during that time too…having been mostly ok emotionally since after the initial diagnosis.
I’m now day 14 and feel my normal self again, so I do think it’s the treatment and the drugs, which is not to diminish how you’re feeling but just to give you hope that it will pass!
Remind yourself that you’ve done so well to get through everything until now, and you are absolutely strong enough to get through this bit…but you’re bound to have good days and bad days along the way.
Chin up, as my mum would say…and we’re all here for you in the meantime.
Big hugs xxx
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Wise words Ele and probably relevant to me at this point as well. I think we are probably both hitting the low immunity point Emma and are bound to feel more down than up just now although I don’t really remember feeling this way at the same stage post FEC-1. I’m just very tired today and I hate being tired even under normal circumstances. I don’t think it helps going through this on a dull November day but then I think if I was feeling rubbish and it was a glorious summer day outside then I’d be resentful that I couldn’t enjoy it. I am already cross that the diagnosis spoilt the second half of this summer for me.
I think I worry most about how I’ll ever get back to normal. It’s only been ten weeks but I just can’t imagine commuting again and being in the office for eight hours a day. I have a horrible feeling that’s when I’ll have my crisis but it’s some months away yet so I really need to park those thoughts for the time being.
I’m just grateful I have you folks to sound off to when needed. xxxx
Evening ladies. Just in from part 1 Herceptin and Pertuzamab. Been 6 hours in chemo. Feel a little like flu but bearable. I did have a major crisis with FEC 2 but remember the chemo nurse saying that most people struggle with the second as everything starts to hit home regarding diagnosis and treatment. Hang on in there as you will get through it. Virtual hugs to you all. xx
Hi all,
I have been reading all your messages since FEC1 and they have all been a great help. I usually read the messages when I can’t sleep and they do sometimes make me chuckle. I had FEC2 today and just waiting for the onslaught!
I have a Limbo and can bath easily so can definitely recommend one.
Good luck to you all.
Elaine x
Well I’ve been into work today and yesterday, both full days, and you know what, apart from falling asleep on the settee last night (which I can cope with), I feel so much more alive and sprightly, just being with people, adult conversation, getting the old grey matter working and the fresh air. For me being sat at home all day, mostly on my own made the ‘fog’ so much worse. I am having a working day at home tomorrow though, don’t want to overdo it.
well I’m on day 3 of my antibiotics, and with them have brought on the most unwelcome SE, all I can say is I need to get the sudocrem out!!! Sorry if that’s too much info.
big hugs to all of you who are struggling today and good luck anyone having treatment tomorrow (Nikki I think).
Jayne x
Suzy, well done on your marathon session today and good luck for tomorrow.
Elaine, hope you get through this evening without too many, or indeed any, horrid SEs.
That sounds really positive Jayne, glad your return to the real world sucessful. But do take it easy and look after yourself.
Nice hot bath and bed for me. Hope everyone sleeps well xx
Thanks for the supportive words when I was feeling down yesterday. I’m hopeful of having turned a corner yesterday afternoon, and though I still didn’t sleep brilliantly, am feeling more myself this morning. It’s also the day i get to meet friends and get somewhat back to normal. I get to sing today!!! My heart has lifted at the thought. We have a big carol service at our church each Christmas and we start special rehearsals this evening. Very exciting.
Fom having done too much in week 1 the first time round, I may have done too little this time which may also be the wrong thing to do. So instead of taking myself out completely, I need to play it by ear for FEC 3.
The other good news is that hubby goes away for a few days on Saturday and will be taking his cough with him. I cannot begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to an undisturbed night on Saturday!
Have a good day everyone.
Emma D xxx
3 down 5 to go. Had 3rd FEC yesterday. Was at the hospital for 6.5 hours! Luckily my husband took some work with him and I just carried out with crocheting my daughters bedspread - much more waiting around and I’ll have to get more wool and make it a double!
Feeling ok today - better than last time. Have injections to do today. We have decided to do them in the evening as mornings are too much of a rush with getting the kids to school, etc. Would have to get up even earlier to get it up to room temperature.
Hopefully school concert tonight. Unfortunately I am missing my singing at the moment due to extra brass band rehearsals before an upcoming contest. Hope to maybe sneak into one rehearsal before a charity concert but won’t make the big christmas concert as it is the same day as my first T.
Hope everyone is enjoying the mild weather - no need for a head covering inside but feel daft going out in a bobble hat so hair day today! Virtual hugs all round